Far-Right AfD Surges to Historic Second Place in German Election/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party surged to second place in Sunday’s national election, marking its best result since World War II. Running on anti-immigration and nationalist policies, AfD doubled its support to 20.8%, gaining traction in eastern Germany and among young voters. Despite mainstream parties refusing to work with AfD, its political influence is growing both domestically and internationally.
Germany’s Far-Right Surge: Quick Looks
- Historic gains: AfD secures 20.8% of the vote, its strongest result ever
- Anti-immigration stance: Party pushes for mass deportations and opposes Ukraine support
- Strongholds: Dominates in eastern Germany, appealing to economically disillusioned voters
- International support: Backed by Elon Musk, Hungarian PM Viktor Orbán, and U.S. VP JD Vance
- Political isolation: Mainstream German parties maintain “firewall” policy, refusing coalition deals
- Youth appeal: AfD leverages internet campaigns to attract younger voters
- European ties: Aligns with far-right European movements but faces tensions in EU alliances
- Extremism concerns: Under surveillance by German intelligence for suspected right-wing extremism
Far-Right AfD Surges to Historic Second Place in German Election
Deep Look
BERLIN (AP) — Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party achieved a historic milestone in Sunday’s national election, finishing second with 20.8% of the vote—its strongest showing since World War II. The result solidifies AfD as a significant political force, particularly in eastern Germany, despite widespread pledges from mainstream parties to shun any coalition with the party.
AfD co-leader Alice Weidel, the party’s first-ever chancellor candidate, hailed the result as a “victory for German patriots,” vowing to expand the party’s influence. At an election-night rally, she echoed former U.S. President Donald Trump’s rhetoric: “We will make Germany great again.”
Founded in 2013 to oppose eurozone bailouts, AfD gained prominence during the 2015 migrant crisis under former Chancellor Angela Merkel. Its anti-immigration message has since broadened to include opposition to COVID-19 restrictions, environmental policies, and military support for Ukraine.
AfD’s rise mirrors broader far-right gains across Europe but is particularly striking in Germany, where postwar politics have long shunned extremist parties.
“This is a watershed moment,” said political scientist Wolfgang Schroeder. “AfD has become the political vessel for discontent and anger.”
AfD’s Evolution and Current Platform
Initially focused on financial issues, AfD pivoted toward nationalist, anti-immigration positions in 2015. Its hardline stance includes:
- “Remigration” policies: Advocating large-scale deportations, even of some German citizens with immigrant backgrounds
- Pro-Russia diplomacy: Calling for immediate lifting of sanctions against Moscow and halting weapons deliveries to Ukraine
- EU skepticism: Seeking a looser European Union or reintroduction of a national currency, without directly pushing for “Dexit” (Germany leaving the EU)
AfD’s success stems from its ability to tap into dissatisfaction with rising living costs, migration, and perceptions of government inefficiency. Despite investigations into some members’ extremist ties, the party remains defiant. Björn Höcke, a leading figure on its far-right wing, has faced legal challenges for using Nazi-era slogans but continues to enjoy significant support.
Electoral Strongholds and Youth Appeal
While AfD is represented in 14 of Germany’s 16 state legislatures, its strongest support lies in the former East Germany, where economic disparities and skepticism of federal policies run deep. The party emerged as the top vote-getter in several eastern regions during Sunday’s vote.
Remarkably, AfD has also gained traction among younger voters, leveraging social media and online platforms to spread its message.
“They communicate with emotional intensity unmatched by other parties,” Schroeder noted. “This has made them especially appealing to disillusioned youth.”
International Allies and Influence
AfD’s rise has attracted attention from far-right figures abroad. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán called Weidel “the future of Germany,” while tech billionaire Elon Musk declared that “only the AfD can save Germany.” Musk even participated in a live chat with Weidel on X (formerly Twitter) and appeared via video at an AfD campaign rally.
“There’s no room for excluding legitimate political voices,” Vance said, drawing ire from German political leaders.
Despite these endorsements, AfD’s relationship with European far-right movements remains complicated. It was expelled from a European Parliament group after previous controversies, including a candidate’s remarks minimizing Nazi SS crimes.
Why Mainstream Parties Reject AfD
Germany’s “firewall” policy, designed to prevent extremist influence, has kept AfD out of state and federal governments. The country’s domestic intelligence service monitors the party for suspected right-wing extremism, labeling some regional branches as “proven extremist.”
AfD leaders deny any neo-Nazi associations, calling the surveillance “political persecution.” Yet the party’s rhetoric and policy proposals continue to raise alarm, particularly among Germany’s immigrant communities and Jewish organizations.
What’s Next for AfD?
While AfD’s second-place finish gives it significant parliamentary influence, its isolation complicates legislative impact. Still, party leaders are optimistic.
“We will be the main opposition force,” Weidel said, promising to pressure the incoming conservative-led government on migration and EU policy.
Political analysts caution that AfD’s success could pressure mainstream parties to adopt tougher stances on migration and economic reform.
“Ignoring AfD is no longer an option,” Schroeder said.
With Germany’s next national election years away, AfD’s focus will shift to upcoming state contests—particularly in eastern regions where it aims to translate popularity into real governing power.
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